Frank Lampard says Stamford Bridge atmosphere will be key for Chelsea
The Blues will attempt to overturn a two-goal deficit against European champions Real Madrid.
Chelsea are preparing for their biggest game of the season under caretaker boss Frank Lampard. On Tuesday the Blues will host Real Madrid, knowing that they need a big win against the holders to keep their Champions League dreams alive.
With the team sitting in mid-table and already out of the FA Cup, the Champions League is the last chance for Chelsea to rescue what has been a dire season.
Ahead of the game, Lampard said that the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge will be crucial if they are to pull off a famous comeback.
“I have no doubt [the atmosphere] will be positive,” Lampard said. “It is down to us to engage the crowd. They can help us.”
“It is down to us as a team to play with desire and know-how to turn this game around. I’ve been here too many times on a Champions League night at Stamford Bridge not to understand that the atmosphere is going to be great.”
Tough start to Lampard’s caretaker spell
Last month Lampard returned to Chelsea for a third spell, his second as manager. So far his three games as caretaker have ended in three defeats but he maintained that he believes his team can triumph on Tuesday.
“I’m very proud to manage this club and what will be will be tomorrow night,” he said.
“We’ll give everything, we want to go through the tie. Every game you play for Chelsea is an opportunity to win games and particularly with our form this season to try and get back to a consistent feeling that it is possible.
“As individuals and a collective, we all want to prove [ourselves]. It will be very important whatever the result tomorrow that we keep working until the end.”
While the odds appear to be stacked against the Blues, they do have a history of Champions League comebacks. In the last seven Champions League ties in which they lost the away leg first, Chelsea have progressed on five occasions. But with a 2-0 deficit from the first leg it will take a monumental effort to get past Madrid.